Abu Dhabi

October average high: 36C

Abu Dhabi is hot on the heels of Dubai with its flashy attractions, and the Emirate's latest is a world first: a Ferrari theme park (ferrariworldabudhabi.com) with the world's fastest roller coaster which will reach speeds of up to 150mph. Other rides include a flume ride through a Ferrari 599 engine and a miniature Italy you can drive through in a 1957 California Spider.

•Best Dubai Holidays (020-7849 4180, bestdubaiholidays.co.uk) has a five-night break from London on 13 November, flying via Doha to Abu Dhabi, to stay at the five-star Desert Islands Resort and Spa on Sir Bani Yas Island, for £786. It has its own game reserve and walking trails

Tunisia

October average high: 25C

The history of one of the world's most incredible historic sites will be brought to life by a new exhibition at the Carthage museum (tourismtunisia.com/culture), which reveals the story and times of a man who lived there in the first century BC, whose skeleton was discovered in 1994.

•The Residence Tunis is a stylish beachfront complex 20 minutes from Tunis city centre and Carthage. W&O travel (08445 277 3310, WandOtravel.com) has a seven-night break for £4,448 for a family of four sleeping in two rooms, including flights from Gatwick. Travel between 23-31 October

Antigua

October average high: 29C

Want to feel totally tropical? Head to the land of sunshine and cocktail hours for yachties. Go snorkelling and make footprints in the sand on one of 365 beaches.

•Netflights.com has a deal to stay at Jolly Beach, an all-inclusive resort with 40 acres of gardens, two pools and a spa, for seven nights including flights from £939 from Manchester. Book before 30 October for travel before 10 December

Madeira

Average November high: 22C

Everyone should now give Funchal a chance, not just the retirees who once made it popular, thanks to the posh hotels and cool bars that have opened in recent years. Have a cocktail at The Vine, a hotel with a rooftop pool, then head to the club Mohle, one of many hip joints putting the fun into Funchal.

•The Co-operative Travel (0845 600 3063, co-operativetravel.co.uk) has seven-night breaks in November and December at the five-star Pestana Carlton Madeira, from a range of UK airports from £589